Rafting Japan

Grade 2 Rafting on Hakuba’s Princess River

Head out with local guides to go rafting on Hakuba Valley’s Himekawa (Princess River). A technical class 2 whitewater river with great views of the Hakuba mountain range. Both morning and afternoon tours are available and we welcome big groups to join in. After a ride down the river, a relaxing soak in a mineral onsen is included in the price.

Please be aware that rafting in Japan gets more hard-core than this, and after the spring snow-melt this river can be quite tame. It is not recommended for thrill-seekers but more for families with children/first-time rafters.

Evergreen Outdoor Center has been training on the Shinanogawa River for several seasons in order to offer a different rafting experience to our guests. If you have a large group get in touch and depending on availability we may be able to offer a Private Tour.

HIMEKAWA (HAKUBA)

The Himekawa River begins at the Himekawa Genryu, a natural spring in the south of Hakuba near Sanosaka. It is also fed by numerous outflows from the mountains including the more major tributary rivers Hirakawa and Matsukawa.

The water flows at a decent rate early in the season once the snow begins melting, but generally by late July – August the water level is quite low.

SHINANOGAWA (NAGANO/NIIGATA)

The Shinanogawa is the longest and largest river in Japan. Known as the Chikuma River in Nagano, the name changes to the Shinano River as it enters Niigata. It rises from Mount Kobushi on the border of Saitama, Yamanashi and Nagano, and flows northwest to meet the Sai River from Matsumoto.

Full-Day Rafting Tour on Nagano’s Shinanogawa

MAKE ANENQUIRYThis is not a regularly scheduled tour. We have been training and running group tours on this river for several years, but we do not yet offer general tours on the Shinano. If you have a large group and are interested contact us and, availability depending, we may be able to offer a Private Tour.